Edin Dzeko wants Henrikh Mkhitaryan to make permanent move from Arsenal to Roma

Roma striker Edin Dzeko has hailed his new team-mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan and he wants him to join permanently, Goal reports. Dzeko has singled Mkhitaryan out for praise after he scored on his debut for Roma.

The Italian side won 4-2 against Sassuolo in the Serie A clash on Sunday. Mkhitaryan made an immediate impression for his new club, scoring Roma’s third goal on their way to a 4-0 first-half lead.

Dzeko, who scored the second goal for Roma, was particularly impressed by Mkhitaryan. The pair met each other last week during the international break. Dzeko scored for Bosnia but Mkhitaryan scored twice and provided an assist to lead Armenia to a 4-2 win.

(Photo by Silvia Lore/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

After Mkhitaryan’s Roma debut, Dzeko had some words of praise for his new colleague. He said (via Goal): “I expect it from him. I know him as a great player, and he is a very good addition to our attacking team who wants to play football.

“I am 100 per cent sure he is going to be a big help for us. I was definitely happy to see this transfer happen. After we played for our national teams and he scored two goals against us I told him, ‘My friend, next games you have to score for Roma as well!'”

Despite Mkhitaryan only recently joining Roma, Dzeko already sees a bright future for him in the Italian capital. Dzeko wants the 30-year-old to make the permanent move from Arsenal next summer.

The Bosnian striker added: “He’s a great pro. I remember him also from Borussia Dortmund times and he will be a big player for us. Hopefully, he can stay a long time here. Hopefully he will [stay]. He will see that we are playing football here and immediately he scored a goal so hopefully, he can have more goals and a lot of assists for us.”

TBR’s view

Mkhitaryan struggled at Arsenal but there is no doubting his quality. He has shown that on his Roma debut and during the international break for Armenia. But perhaps the Italian league better suits his style of play.

When he returns to Arsenal next summer, he will be 31. His future might hinge on Unai Emery’s tenure as manager but he could fancy a return to Roma if his good form continues.